Nothing in the world is softer or more yielding
than water.
But, for wearing down the hard and strong,
there is nothing like it.
That yielding overcomes the strong
and softness overcomes the hard
is something that is known by all,
but is practiced by few.
Tao Teh Ching, 78. Translation by Hua-Ching Ni.
How does the sea
become the queen of all rivers and streams?
By lying lower than they do!
Hence, it is the queen of all rivers and streams.
Tao Teh Ching, 66. Translation by Hua-Ching Ni.
